Everton are reportedly interested in bringing Philippe Coutinho back to Merseyside this summer. Their new manager Rafa Benitez is keen on adding more creativity to the team, and amidst the uncertain future of James Rodriguez, a like-for-like transfee could be on the cards.

Rodriguez wants to leave Everton following the sudden departure of Carlo Ancelotti back to Real Madrid. AC Milan are interested in bringing the Colombian over to Italy this summer, bidding €10 million for his services and potentially agreeing a three-year contract worth €6 million.

Should that happen, Coutinho’s transfer to Goodison Park could make sense. The former Liverpool man made a big money move to Barcelona worth £142 million in 2018, and the Spanish giants are yet to fully pay for the transfer. They will have to cough up another €18 million if the player makes 100 appearances for them, and with the current situation of the club, they do not want that.

This summer, Barcelona are trying their best to offload as many players as they can and Coutinho’s €190k/week off the books would free up a huge chunk of the salary budget. The Brazilian has played 90 games for Barcelona, and has scored 23 times, assisting 14. He has also struggled with injuries during his time at Camp Nou, and spent the 19/20 season on loan at Bayern Munich.

His transfer to Everton would certainly follow a pattern of Merseyside favourites turning Blue from Red, and it could be rationally appropriate for everybody involved.